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Star-studded ball celebrates Harry

A glittering star-studded ball held in memory of brave Birmingham schoolboy Harry Moseley raised more than £100,000 for his charity, Help Harry Help Others (HHHO).

The spectacular event, at Birmingham’s ICC, was attended by 1,250 guests including Harry’s celebrity friends and business leaders from across the West Midlands.

Organised by Tim Andrews, managing director of Hollywood Monster, and former Big Brother contestant and Birmingham corporate lawyer Peter (PJ) Ellis, of Weightmans, with support from Harry’s mother Georgie, the event was a sell-out.

Harry’s story touched the hearts of tens of thousands of people across the globe. Despite battling an inoperable brain tumour, before his death last year Harry raised more than £700,000 for cancer charities by selling hand-made bracelets and touring schools and businesses up and down the country.

The ball (October 19), sponsored by signs and graphics specialists Hollywood Monster, leading law firm Weightmans, and other major businesses, was a celebration of all Harry achieved in his short life.

Tim, who is also a trustee of HHHO, said: “It’s been a great honour to be a part of the inaugural Harry Moseley Ball. We were all overwhelmed by the support from local businesses and Harry’s famous friends, with 1,250 people attending a fantastic evening of celebration of Harry’s life.

“The money raised will all go towards his aim of providing support for cancer sufferers and their families, as well as funding research to find a cure for cancer. In addition, the money enables us to launch an exciting schools initiative.”

Among those who attended the event were TV presenter Ben Shephard, former Aston Villa player Ian Taylor, former Birmingham City player Michael Johnson, Harry Potter stars Oliver and James Phelps, TV presenter Alison Hammond, and Olympic gymnast Kristian Thomas.

Birmingham-based businesses including Mace, Bullring, Sainsbury’s, South & City College, Birmingham City FC, Prologis, and Webb Gray architects, also supported the event.

Georgie Moseley said: “It was an evening of mixed emotions – I was proud to be hosting our first ever Harry Moseley Ball in his honour and raise money for his own charity but also sad that Harry wasn’t there to witness it for himself.

“Harry attended several charity balls, usually giving a speech during them. He was born and bred in Birmingham and he’s inspired so many children and adults globally and continues to do so. I want to thank everyone for attending the ball and especially to Tim and PJ for organising such a memorable evening.”

Freeradio’s Tom Ross and Russ Morris hosted the event, which included a performance by Wolverhampton-born soul singer Beverley Knight.

Live auction charity lots included a day on a luxurious yacht, courtesy of Hollywood Monster, Sunday dinner for six cooked by Michelin star chef Glynn Purnell in your own home, and a one-week stay for 14 in a luxury ski chalet in La Plagne.

Wolves midfielder Jamie O’Hara and his wife Danielle Lloyd raised the roof of the ICC when they bid £5,000 for a framed Harry Moseley bracelet, one of the last ever made by Harry himself.

HHHO, the charity launched by Georgie, recently opened its first shop on Church Road in Yardley, Birmingham. Visit www.helpharryhelpothers.com for more information.